Month: July 2017

Chocolate chip cookies stir up feelings associated with home, holidays, and a general feeling of contentment. Everyone has a recipe they grew up with or always reach for, so today I’ve decided to share mine.

My Mama always used the recipe from her ever-trusty Betty Crocker Cooky book. I have made others, but always go back to this one. It’s the perfect combo of soft and chewy, delightful goodness!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup shortening

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (add a 1/4 cup more for a softer cookie, this is what I usually do. It gives the perfect soft and chewy cookie!)

1/2 tsp soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, it’s a part of the original recipe, but I always leave them out)

1 package, 6oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

If making right away, preheat oven to 375 degrees. This will give you a flat and crispy cookie. For a softer, rounder cookie, chill for a couple hours or overnight before baking.

Mix shortening, sugars, egg, and vanilla thoroughly.

Combine dry ingredients and add to shortening mixture.

Add chocolate chips and the nuts, if you are using them.

Using a cookie scoop (I typically use one that is roughly a tablespoon), drop onto lined baking sheet. You can use a silicone baking liner or parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick.

Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Cool 2-3 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to cooling rack.

Taste test a cookie, while still warm and enjoy with some milk!

This dough also freezes well, so normally I scoop them out, freeze on a sheet pan, then add to a freezer bag. Good for about 6 months or until you need a cookie fix. Oh, and if you eat them using this face mug from Uncommon Goods, they taste even better!

After opening my Etsy shop, one of the first things I did was look for good photo apps. The ones below are perfect for editing photos from your phone or DLSR. I don’t post a picture without using at least one, sometimes all three!

1. Afterlight-It’s available at the App Store and Google Play for $.99 with opportunities for in-app purchases. I don’t normally “buy” apps, but this one was totally worth the $1.06 with tax. It is my go-to for filters! Perfect for all of my food and product photos.

2. Canva– Available free on the App Store and Google Play with opportunity for in-app purchases. Allows you to choose different layouts according to what you need, plus, a custom layout feature. I use this all the time for my Etsy shop. Add your own photos or choose from their selection, most of these are not free though. Great for adding text, making collages, etc. One of my all-time favorite apps!

3. Photoshop Fix– Available for free from the App Store and Google Play is really awesome! I use this quite frequently for my product photos, as it has great tools for smoothing, sharpening, cropping, lightening, etc. Another bonus, using this on your iPad/iPhone, allows you to use your finger or stylus to make adjustments. I can be really exact about “fixing” my pictures. I love it!

With vacation season upon us, every inch of your luggage has to count. I for one, do not want to pack a ton of toiletries, so I love minis/multiple use products. Here a few of my favorites!

1. Verb Leave-In Mist, $7, Sephora– Great for detangling and adding extra moisture. My hair is very thick and this is my go-to product! Just a great brand overall, as their products are sulfate and cruelty-free, which I love!

2. Living Proof Dry Shampoo, $12, Sephora– The BEST dry shampoo EVER!!! I have tried many from Bumble+Bumble to the drugstore brands and this one does the trick. It leaves my hair looking clean without that pesky white residue.

3. Yes to Cucumbers Facial Wipes, $2.99, Ulta– I love to double cleanse , but I don’t want to take two full size cleansers on a trip. These wipes are great for removing makeup and quite refreshing. Plus, this company is cruelty free and they use natural ingredients.

4. Nars Multiple, $39, Ulta– A blush, lipstick and eyeshadow in one! What more could you ask for? A bit pricey, but save your Ulta points and get it discounted. I will warn you though, the names of the colors are a bit risky.

Smashbox L.A. Lights, $29, Ulta– A lipstick and blush in one, plus a sponge tip for application. A great alternative to the Nars product above.